About Me
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A final article before I start my second semester in film studies.
To recap, Serious Steps are articles that highlight my works for my studies; a more serious effort (That's debatable) for causes outside my own. Only this time, I'm going to center works I did for a carnival that I'm volunteering since I'm not ready to share my videos to the world yet.
Soul Carnival , being held in MMU Cyberjaya, is a carnival that centers the idea of spreading the love and Islam; to share smiles and joy with all. It's a one day event that has games for children, talks and celebrity guests. Click on the link for more information!
Because I'm here to talk about my proposed artworks.
The artworks were done months ago! But execution of releasing them to the public was only recently; even then, only one or two were used. Why I designed these works is because of two things:
1. The longing for da'wah; my responsibility of sharing the teachings of Islam.
2. I had an idea. Once I have an idea, I tend to become obsessed with it
Earlier this year, I missed my post-SPM days where I spend my times teaching kids. I loved every single moment of it. I felt I was doing something meaningful for myself, society and Islam. So, after months of absence in the field, and the much stressful assignments, I figured that I could help out a little with the Islamic clubs in my university.
I volunteered for this carnival and I was tasked as a 'security' or an 'escort' for the celebrities attending. During one of briefing, I reached to one of the leading coordinators to pitch an idea that I've had for a long time.
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| Constructive criticisms are welcomed |
The Idea came from an observation as a geek; that hype loyal fans whom are artists create for their beloved work of fiction. I see so much of beautiful fan arts that are unique, passionate and satisfying. Sometimes, I prefer fan arts over original ones. For instance, due to the fact that Jaegers aren't real, we'll only see the same movie stills and posters of the characters. As fans, we want to see more and waiting two to three years for the sequel won't cut it. Thus the answer is fan art.
The fact that the artworks also create strong hype is also interesting; a free publicity, you might say. Thus with this carnival offering an opportunity, I just can't help but to experiment my styles and knowledge.
I've created a few concepts of art styles based on my observation and the type of audience it captures. The above picture is a Sepia style; a constant style that I see in social networks. Due to it's, especially, simplicity and artistic nature, it's quite teen-friendly. I believe anyone who has Instagram can do this; with a picture, a quote and the filters.
The picture above is an example I did; an extra picture I took for my previous assignments. I knew keeping those extra pics would come in handy someday. The picture beside is more experimental; mashing in random lines and textures. I, kind of, like it but I know it's not presentable.
The Cartoon/Mascot Style
This is a more kid friendly style. The idea was having people creating their own 'little me'; the same shape of body with a different colors and headgear. This could have been a stronger trend setter though but alas, there's not much time to rely on people designing their own. But one of the head coordinator did use it as a profile picture on facebook; that's it.
After seeing a tutorial of making pixel art, I just had to do it! Initially, it was intended to be another mascot style but instead it turned into my personal profile picture. Haha. I love it very much. To be on a safe side, it's 'me' wearing my favorite green hoodie.
Recently, I am fascinated by geometric art. I am not keen on visual art. I can come up with a decent story but not a solid canvas. This weakness lead to some fascinating discoveries of geometrical beauties . One where I find most interesting is rearranging photo(s) into shapes such as triangles, hexagon, octagon and so on. I think it's really cool and, frustratingly, it makes me jealous because I couldn't come up with something like that. Darn. This discovery was observed in social networks; those selfies that are distorted into some new found 'artistic' shapes. But I was impressed with a work I saw on a Photoshop tutorial page. That's when I became fond of this style. So, I did some for myself; for this carnival. And of course I did add some 'me' in it; a restriction if you might say.
The first draft
It's not much of a drastic rearrangement to a point you can't tell what it is. I have this strict 'style' that I must put some 'sanity' to it. It's a puzzle. That's what I could think of and I'm fond of it. The little misplacement of the clouds is something I really like....I can't elaborate why for the moment. I just do.
How would this help the bring hype to the carnival? I thought it would be interesting to bring hype to the fan art itself. Yes, the fan art is to bring hype for the carnival but having more hype before it happens just scream out certainty to me. People would like and share this artwork to reveal the logo and the fan art project. After decent amount of those two, we would introduce the project. Alas...again, there's no time to wait for a decent amount of 'social acceptance' (Likes and Share). This idea was scraped.
The final product. I love it! hehehe~
Finally, as always, I leave the best for last. Come to think of it, I love most of the works I did! Let's not get carried away now. Most fan arts I stumble upon are digital or manual drawings. From Assassin's Creed to Batman, there are thousands of designers dedicating their time to draw an awesome fan art. All the above is experimental with satisfying results but below is not; no new styles, no observing the masses. It's just me being me with my drawing. Sigh, I miss drawing. Take note that this was done months ago, around February. Film assignments doesn't give me much room to draw.
The Sketch
I forgot to mention that it's a collaboration with a friend. I would sketch and he would color. I drew with pencils and thicken the lines with pen to ease the vectorizing.
Yes, I'm aware that they don't have legs. I was, admittedly, lazy. Plus, I can't draw satisfying legs. I was afraid that I might ruin it if I keep erasing it with my eraser. If you'd ask me, I personally love the woman in the middle. I drew my favorite hijab style on her.
Colored
My friend had some problem deciding what colors to use. In the end though, it's really good. It took awhile for me to digest. I know his style and this is definitely his style; seeing it fused with mine was just odd at first. In time, I did enjoy this product. Heck, even others complimented the colors. Here is his blog:
There would be booths and talks special for Muslim women; Sister's Zone. Some of my favorite Celebrity Muslimahs would be there, man! I wanna meet her! Men aren't allowed. I am sad. Najwa Latif, Diana Amir and the lovely Heliza Helmi! Weeee~!
Okay, calm yourself, man.
The Final Product!
Of course, the colored sketch wasn't enough. I need to put the logo to make it more obvious. So, this is the final that I went for. The background I did was a combo with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to mimic the textures. It turn out well, Almahdulillah. I like how our names were incorporated. That's essential. I don't think most people would bother to read the descriptions.
Alhamdulillah, it's been awhile since I've updated my Serious Steps articles. Don't even get me started on the rare Islamic articles! I think this is the first one where I'm not that emotional. That's one of the reasons why I call it 'serious'; to show the lessons I learned from these works. I'm grateful that I could help the function in ways that I could. It doesn't end here though, there's still the even itself. What wonders and horrors awaits?
That's it for the third Serious Steps article, constructive criticisms are welcomed.
Salam and have a good day readers!
My computer is broken! Something wrong with the pc, I think. So, I can't use my printer to scan my sketches. It would take a while for me to fix this problem. Sigh, so much problem but so little time. I wanted to post something regarding science fiction. I've already sketch something about it but the thing is, I wan't to ink it :p
I figured that I should post some inked works to, you know, show you my progress. But alas, I can't. So, here are some random videos that, well, inspired me to write or to just pass my time.
I became a huge fan of home made stop motion videos after Transformers film came out. I love the idea of making your own version of the saga with toys. I respect them for posting their videos because they're doing what they love which is Transformers and story telling. The above video is just a short one. If you want to view a whole saga; try searching Nightslash 2020 on Youtube.
This is not a stop motion. It's just a guy playing with toys and does a voice over afterwards. However, I didn't straight away conclude this video as pathetic when I first saw it. No, I instantly loved it! Because it's funny and it shows what the DC and Marvel fans think of the latest superhero films in Hollywood. Again, this is a home made video. I did found a professional one; better stop motion with green screen backgrounds and what not. But I still prefer this one.
The latest music video from Coldplay! I love this band! How would I describe their song? Well, this is just a theory but I think Coldplay's songs are mostly about anything, I guess. For their first few albums, they sang mostly about love while Viva La vida or Death and all his friends was more to world peace. This is the unique part about Coldplay, they're always changing their gimmicks and sounds. Not many dare to do so; especially when you're successful as Coldplay. Most bands who were successful with their first and second album, they tend to stick with that gimmick to the very end of their careers.
I was never a huge fan of this band. I didn't hate them. I just didn't bothered to follow them. But I gotta admit, this video is awesome! And the song is just the kind of song I love!
Finally! A studio version of this song! I've posted a live performance video of this song before but hey, everybody prefers to listen to a studio recorded song in their mp3 right? So, how would I describe Mumford and Sons music? Well, most of their songs to me, screams out pride. Marcus's often screams really gets me pumped up; realizing me that I can't just sit down and whine about my problems. Their songs makes want to get up and achieve something.
And lastly, Maher Zain! What I love about this fellow Muslim is that he dares to try something new. I admit, most Malaysians just listen to his songs; saying "Oh, it's good", not knowing the genius and bravery of Maher Zain. Honestly, how many tried to collaborate Pop and Islam? Heck, I think many dare not to try it because they think it wouldn't work or Religion, specifically Islam, shouldn't be associated with Pop. I truly respect to my fellow Muslims who try to spread the words of our prophet through music and films because it is not an easy task to execute. May Allah help you in your journey, Maher Zain; Insya Allah.
Have a nice day everybody, Salam!
I figured that I should post some inked works to, you know, show you my progress. But alas, I can't. So, here are some random videos that, well, inspired me to write or to just pass my time.
I became a huge fan of home made stop motion videos after Transformers film came out. I love the idea of making your own version of the saga with toys. I respect them for posting their videos because they're doing what they love which is Transformers and story telling. The above video is just a short one. If you want to view a whole saga; try searching Nightslash 2020 on Youtube.
This is not a stop motion. It's just a guy playing with toys and does a voice over afterwards. However, I didn't straight away conclude this video as pathetic when I first saw it. No, I instantly loved it! Because it's funny and it shows what the DC and Marvel fans think of the latest superhero films in Hollywood. Again, this is a home made video. I did found a professional one; better stop motion with green screen backgrounds and what not. But I still prefer this one.
The latest music video from Coldplay! I love this band! How would I describe their song? Well, this is just a theory but I think Coldplay's songs are mostly about anything, I guess. For their first few albums, they sang mostly about love while Viva La vida or Death and all his friends was more to world peace. This is the unique part about Coldplay, they're always changing their gimmicks and sounds. Not many dare to do so; especially when you're successful as Coldplay. Most bands who were successful with their first and second album, they tend to stick with that gimmick to the very end of their careers.
I was never a huge fan of this band. I didn't hate them. I just didn't bothered to follow them. But I gotta admit, this video is awesome! And the song is just the kind of song I love!
Finally! A studio version of this song! I've posted a live performance video of this song before but hey, everybody prefers to listen to a studio recorded song in their mp3 right? So, how would I describe Mumford and Sons music? Well, most of their songs to me, screams out pride. Marcus's often screams really gets me pumped up; realizing me that I can't just sit down and whine about my problems. Their songs makes want to get up and achieve something.
And lastly, Maher Zain! What I love about this fellow Muslim is that he dares to try something new. I admit, most Malaysians just listen to his songs; saying "Oh, it's good", not knowing the genius and bravery of Maher Zain. Honestly, how many tried to collaborate Pop and Islam? Heck, I think many dare not to try it because they think it wouldn't work or Religion, specifically Islam, shouldn't be associated with Pop. I truly respect to my fellow Muslims who try to spread the words of our prophet through music and films because it is not an easy task to execute. May Allah help you in your journey, Maher Zain; Insya Allah.
Have a nice day everybody, Salam!
I saw a video of a local Anime convention and it was interesting. I didn't know that Malaysians were avid cosplayers. Though at a certain point, I think that some of the costumes they wore were unnecessary; it's pretty understandable that dressing up as their favorite characters makes them feel very much alive. It gives cosplayers the same feeling that I feel when I've come up with a new idea; a feeling of self satisfaction and much more. What I think is unfair though, hijabed Muslimah aren't able to dress up. Obviously, most iconic female characters wheres revealing clothes. Even if some Muslimahs tried to dress up as Chun Li while wearing hijab, I bet they'll be ridiculed. Other cosplayers would say "You are insulting the iconic Chun Li!" or "What are you thinking? You're a Muslimah, you don't need to do this to prove to yourself as an avid fan"...etc. In my honest opinion, telling Muslimahs who desires to be cosplayers that they can't do what they love to do is like telling me that I can't write because it's unnecessary. I would be a tramp; lost in this world, not knowing what to do. I think it's about time that we give em' what they need to be a cosplayer and that is an iconic hijabed girl character.
Here she is, Super Nur; a superhero in Malaysia. I think that it just hit stores, if I'm not mistaken but one thing's for sure though; I'll buy it when I see it, Insya Allah :D A friend of mine told me about this character and I started googling her when I've reached my laptop. I prefer a much more serious theme though but when I saw the writer/artist's interview; I respect his attentions of trying to appeal to a larger audience. Toning down the seriousness to a simpler plot. I really hope that this character would be a hit though because we really need a local fictional icon right now. Even better, I hope that this comic would be adapt to an animation . This character inspired me to draw a sketch regarding strong fictional women in films, animation, comic and so on. No, I'm not referring to characters like Bella from Twilight. I'm referring to genres that often use female characters as their lead. Genres like magical girl in the anime world; Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and Magical girl lyrical Nanoha. A genre that involves young girls who uses magical powers to fight evil-doers. Films like Salt, Tomb Raider and Colombiana that centers bad ass women; women who can kick ass as much or even more than Jason Statham. Now this would be a tricky genre to pull off. Besides the action, there's no denying that the bikini scene or even both combine is one of the factors why it sells. It's just the idea of women kicking ass while half naked is so compelling ( :p ) and because of this factor, a story that centers a hijabed ass kicker would be hard to pull of. Lastly, I believe this is the most common of them all, is the survivor girl. Example of films are Alien (Ellen Ripley), Alien versus Predators (Alexa Woods) and so on. A plot that centers a smart/ happy go lucky/ innocent girl that's somehow got f'ed up by serial killers, zombies and Freddy Krueger. Usually, in this kind of plot, the female lead is required to abandon her peaceful ways and kill that thing; getting the job done.
I kind a screw up on survivor girl :/
It took me a while to come up with the survivor girl plot but I'm sure that this kind a plot is often used in every media. So, that's all I have to write :/
Hoping for a better animation industry,
Salam and have a good day everybody!
Here she is, Super Nur; a superhero in Malaysia. I think that it just hit stores, if I'm not mistaken but one thing's for sure though; I'll buy it when I see it, Insya Allah :D A friend of mine told me about this character and I started googling her when I've reached my laptop. I prefer a much more serious theme though but when I saw the writer/artist's interview; I respect his attentions of trying to appeal to a larger audience. Toning down the seriousness to a simpler plot. I really hope that this character would be a hit though because we really need a local fictional icon right now. Even better, I hope that this comic would be adapt to an animation . This character inspired me to draw a sketch regarding strong fictional women in films, animation, comic and so on. No, I'm not referring to characters like Bella from Twilight. I'm referring to genres that often use female characters as their lead. Genres like magical girl in the anime world; Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura and Magical girl lyrical Nanoha. A genre that involves young girls who uses magical powers to fight evil-doers. Films like Salt, Tomb Raider and Colombiana that centers bad ass women; women who can kick ass as much or even more than Jason Statham. Now this would be a tricky genre to pull off. Besides the action, there's no denying that the bikini scene or even both combine is one of the factors why it sells. It's just the idea of women kicking ass while half naked is so compelling ( :p ) and because of this factor, a story that centers a hijabed ass kicker would be hard to pull of. Lastly, I believe this is the most common of them all, is the survivor girl. Example of films are Alien (Ellen Ripley), Alien versus Predators (Alexa Woods) and so on. A plot that centers a smart/ happy go lucky/ innocent girl that's somehow got f'ed up by serial killers, zombies and Freddy Krueger. Usually, in this kind of plot, the female lead is required to abandon her peaceful ways and kill that thing; getting the job done.
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| From top: Magical girl, (left) Bad ass, (right) Survivor girl |
I kind a screw up on survivor girl :/
It took me a while to come up with the survivor girl plot but I'm sure that this kind a plot is often used in every media. So, that's all I have to write :/
Hoping for a better animation industry,
Salam and have a good day everybody!
